Thursday, June 18, 2009

Tutorial - Knotted Herringbone Stitch

I love herringbone stitch so I am always on the lookout for a new way to use it. When I came across this variation yesterday I thought I would share it with you.First of all, start by working a row of regular herringbone stitch. For this I used Gloriana Princess Petite Perle silk in a colour called Raspberry Parfait.

Next, you go back over the herringbone working the knots in a different thread, stitching from right to left. In this case I used a thicker metallic thread I received from Hideko in Japan. It is used for making temari balls and was just perfect for this. Since you are going to be sliding your needle under the "X's"and not piercing the herringbone threads, it is helpful to use a blunt tapestry needle for this step. Start at the top "X" on the right side by bringing your needle underneath the "X". Below the "X" you place your working thread over the end of your needle from right to left and then bring it back around under the needle from left to right. Tighten up the knot, leaving enough slack in the first leg of the metallic thread that it is loose enough not to just cover up the original leg of the herringbone. You want it to accent the herringbone, not obliterate it.Now you move to the next "X" on the bottom and repeat the process. Bring your needle under the "X" and bring your working thread over the end of needle from right to left and back under the needle from left to right. Tighten up the knot a bit, leaving a bit of slack in the thread between knots.

Carry on repeating these two steps, moving from right to left and alternating top and bottom "X's". Here is a sample of the finished row of stitching.